IceHogs News

Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs, members of the American Hockey League, have signed goaltender Joe Palmer and center Peter LeBlanc to AHL/ECHL contracts, Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced Monday.

Palmer competed in his first season of professional hockey with the Texas Brahmas (CHL) in 2009-10. The Yorkville, New York, native appeared in 32 contests, finishing the season 13-10-4 with 2.75 goals against average and a .914 save percentage.

“We are thrilled to have Joe back for a second season as we felt he made great progress last year,” Bernard said. “We are very excited to follow his development during this season.”

The goalie played three seasons of NCAA hockey at Ohio State University (NCAA), where he appeared in 71 games and compiled a career record of 25-36-9 to go along with 3.04 goals against average and a .889 save percentage. Palmer also represented the USA in the 2008 IIHF World Championship.

LeBlanc joins the IceHogs after skating four seasons at the University of New Hampshire (NCAA). In 2009-10, the 5-foot, 10-inch, 175 pound center tallied 14 goals and posted career highs in assists (21) and points (35).

“Peter is taking his next step after a successful collegiate career,” Bernard said. “We are looking forward to working with him over the next season and assessing his development over this time.”

A native of Hamilton, Ontario, Leblanc appeared in 153 college contests, tallying 32 goals and 51 assists.